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Loss, but not absence, of control – How choice and addiction are related
In a recent post the notion that “loss of control” is an addiction myth was raised by our contributing author, Christopher Russell, a thoughtful graduate student studying substance abuse in the U.K. Though I obviously personally believe in control- and choice-relevant neurological mechanisms playing a part in addiction, this conversation is a common one both…
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Overload, distraction, or inattention? Different factors in a frenzied world
ADHD is one of those clinical diagnoses that caught on and spread wildly, tagging every kid as it rushed by. At least that’s what some people would like you to think. In reality, only about 5% of children have been diagnosed as having ADHD (according to the CDC). Nevertheless, it certainly seems that distraction and…
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About Addiction: Drug Withdrawal in Newborns, Heroin, and Harm Reduction
There’s so much to learn about addiction nowadays – Psychological theories, new stories, neuroscience research, and more. At All About Addiction we try to make the information easy to digest, so when you need to sort of the latest information about addiction, come see us, we’ll help. Harm reduction – Heroin and Injecting Drugs Irish…
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ADHD and neurocognition – Knowing what to remember
Kate Humphreys ADHD In children and adults – Symptoms and tests Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, formerly known also as ADD) are classically seen as the kids in class who have trouble staying in their seats and paying attention during long lessons. Underlying these problematic behaviors is a confluence of factors, with evidence…
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A new candidate for ADHD medication: Amantadine and the rise of non-stimulants
It is well known that ADHD diagnoses and substance abuse problems are closely associated. It is estimated that substance abuse problems including dependence are up to twice as common among individuals with ADHD, which is not surprising given the impulsivity factor involved in ADHD. The problem is that until recently, most medications for ADHD have belonged…
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Monitoring the Future by NIDA: Teen alcohol and drug use data from a national survey
One of the perks of being an alcohol, drug use, and addiction researcher, as well as of writing for a website like this and Psychology Today, is that sometimes we get to talk to people that most can’t reach or to receive information that others might not have access to. NIDA‘s Monitoring the Future, a…
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ADD and ADHD medications: Lessons from a crystal meth experiment
I’ve recently completed a study that I presented at the Society For Neuroscience (SFN) meeting in DC. The study was actually aimed at looking at the usefulness of two medications in interfering with the rewarding qualities of methamphetamine. The thinking was the if we could figure out a way to interfere with crystal meth being…
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Thinking straight might help: Modafinil in early recovery from crystal meth addiction
I’ve mentioned before that I believe medications can be a very helpful tool in early recovery, especially for specific individuals who need help getting over the initial, most difficult, period (look here). If you take a look at my first post about meth and its effects on the brain, you’ll read that crystal meth use…
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About addiction, my self, and the fight to be altruistic
One of the core personality traits that many addicts, including myself, eventually identify in themselves in a strong streak of selfishness. The question is: What do I do with this insight once I’ve gained it? I’m starting to come up with my own answer and hopefully my solution will help others find their own. The…